actually, this is a spin-off to Dale Kirby’s threads on spending.

On those threads – and on others – people have advised to limit food spendings. And they told everybody to go to McDonald’s or Pizza Hut. The argument was that this will save you money compared to eating at a restaurant.

However, this is not the case.

Even when you don’t like to shop groceries, even when you don’t have any cooking facilities, you can still always find cheaper (and more often than not: tastier!) alternatives.

At my local McDonald’s, a "meal" that means I don’t feel hungry again one hour later costs almost 10 DM (about 4.50 US$, for a burger, fries, and coke).
For less than that, I can have a DönerKebab with all extras plus a beer at any of the ubiquitous Turkish fast food joints. Or I can sit down at one of the cafès in the student district and have the lunchtime special – in much nicer atmosphere.

I believe this doesn’t only apply in my city – which is in rather pricey southwestern Germany, but also (even more so?) in most other places in Europe (especially in rural areas and in Eastern Europe).

If after some time in Europe, you yearn for something familiar, for a menu where you exactly know what every single item means, or if you have this unexplicable desire to purchase a soft-drink that consists of 80% ice cubes and 20% actual drink, then go to McDonalds, BurgerKing, or PizzaHut. Nothing wrong with that.

All I’m saying is: you don’t HAVE to, just because you are on a budget.
And especially when you are on a really tight budget, McDonald’s etc. might actually be the wrong option. Instead, spend some time exploring the local alternatives.

By: Juergen(Unregistered)